<\/p>\n
Acclaimed actor Sam Neill has died suddenly, aged 78, surrounded by family in Sydney.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
Neill was diagnosed with angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma in 2022 \u2014 the same year he was knighted.<\/p>\n
When chemotherapy stopped working on his stage-three blood cancer, Neill started a new treatment and announced in April this year that he was cancer free.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt is with immense sadness that the wh\u0101nau of Sam Neill share the news of his passing,\u201d the family said in a social media post on Monday. <\/p>\n
\u201cSam was surrounded by family and passed with the dignity that has characterised his whole life. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe loss was sudden and unexpected, but blessed by the fact that Sam remained cancer free.\u201d<\/p>\n
The family expressed their \u201cdeepest gratitude\u201d to St Vincent\u2019s Private Hospital for their \u201cincredible care\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cMore details will be shared later, but for now, on behalf of the family, we ask that you respect their privacy as they navigate this immeasurable loss,\u201d the statement read.<\/p>\n
Neill was a leading man, who was equally comfortable playing a villain as he was being the hero.<\/p>\n
The versatile actor starred in dozens of films including Jurassic Park, Hunt for the Wilderpeople, The Piano, Dead Calm and The Dish.<\/p>\n
He co-starred alongside some of Hollywood\u2019s biggest names, including Australia\u2019s Nicole Kidman and Judy Davis, as well as Sean Connery, Alec Baldwin, Harvey Keitel and Laurence Fishburn.<\/p>\n
Just two weeks ago, Neill spoke of his joy at being nominated for a Silver Logie for his role on The Twelve.<\/p>\n
\u201cMany thanks to so many \u2026 another day … but for now a wonderful cast and crew,\u201d Neill posted.<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd a big shout out to my fellow nominees for best actor in a drama.\u201d<\/p>\n
Neill recently told The Daily Telegraph he could not think of anything more fun to do than acting, and most particularly in movies.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s good to be in films that people remember with affection,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
Born Nigel John Dermot Neill in Northern Ireland in 1947, he and his family moved to Christchurch, on New Zealand\u2019s south island, seven years later. They relocated to Dunedin the following year.<\/p>\n
He studied law at the University of Canterbury for one year then decided to pursue acting and played in theatre productions before he scored his breakthrough role in the 1977 film Sleeping Dogs.<\/p>\n
Neill had two sons. One was born when Neill was in his early 20s but was given up for adoption, with the pair reuniting in 1994.<\/p>\n
He had another son with actor Lisa Harrow while they were filming The Final Conflict in 1981.<\/p>\n
He married makeup artist Noriko Watanabe in 1989. The couple had a daughter together, and he also adopted Watanabe\u2019s daughter from a previous marriage. They separated in 2017.<\/p>\n
Neill had stepped away from acting while he underwent cancer treatment to write his memoir that was published in 2023, titled Did I Ever Tell You This? <\/p>\n
His publisher Text Publishing said Neill entered their lives in 2022 when he was \u201cunder the doctor\u201d but had written a memoir to dispel the gloom.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe read the manuscript and we fell in love with it,\u201d a statement read.<\/p>\n
\u201cDid I Ever Tell You This? Is a wonderful book by a fabulous storyteller who led an equally fabulous life.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd we fell in love with Sam. He was kind, humble, gentle. He was the one who was gravely ill and yet being with him made us all feel better.\u201d<\/p>\n
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese led the tributes to the iconic actor. <\/p>\n
\u201cSam Neill starred in so many beloved Australian stories and he earned a special place in Australian hearts,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWry and dry, thoughtful and laconic, Sam fought illness with the same dignity, humour and conviction that gave strength to his every performance. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe will be much mourned and long remembered. May he rest in peace.\u201d<\/p>\n
Singer Jimmy Barnes described Neill as family in his touching tribute on social media.<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat a day it\u2019s been. My dear friend Sam left us today,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cI can\u2019t believe we will no longer be eating great food together and sharing the odd glass of wine down at his winery, while laughing, singing and solving the problems of the world together. <\/p>\n
\u201cSam was a big part of our lives. He was family. He lifted our spirits when he walked in the room. <\/p>\n
\u201cSam was everything he appeared to be on the screen. Caring, funny, intelligent, charming, honest, talented, the list could go on. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe sat with me while I recovered in hospital and I sat with him when he needed me. <\/p>\n
\u201cWe shared a lot in this life and for that, I will be always thankful. Rest easy, dear Sam. You are always in our hearts.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Barnes\u2019 daughter, Mahalia Barnes, wrote: \u201cWe love you Sam. Rest in peace friend.\u201d<\/p>\n
Actor Karl Urban wrote in response to the family\u2019s statement: \u201cHeartfelt condolences to your wh\u0101nau. Sam was truly brilliant. An inspiration for many who followed in his trailblazing footsteps. A beautiful man. A national treasure who gave so much to New Zealand and the to world. God speed Sam.\u201d<\/p>\n
A stream of other Hollywood actors and Aussie stars also commented.<\/p>\n
The Princess Bride actor Cary Elwes wrote: \u201cCompletely heartbroken.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201c[Sam] was everything you hoped he would be. Beautiful in every way possible,\u201d Elwes wrote, \u201cGentle, wise, compassionate, giving, funny and of course immensely talented.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cA great raconteur who had that twinkle in his eye that told you he knew the secret of the universe.\u201d<\/p>\n
David Campbell wrote: \u201cA giant in film. A gentleman in real life. What a wonderful, wonderful man.\u201d<\/p>\n
Pop star Kylie Minogue simply commented: \u201cVale Sam.\u201d<\/p>\n
Comedian Rove McManus also shared a tribute on social media, saying his entire household was \u201cdeeply saddened\u201d.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe was a gentleman, a\u00a0sweetheart, humble as can be, gracious, giving and a delight to be around,\u201d he said. <\/p>\n
\u201cPlus his formidable talent goes without saying. Sending our deepest sympathies from our family to his.\u201d<\/p>\n
Actor Magda Szubanski said she was \u201cabsolutely devastated\u201d. <\/p>\n
\u201cDarling Sam. I really don\u2019t have any words right now. I\u2019m in complete shock. Last time we spoke he was going so well,\u201d she wrote on social media.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy heart goes out to his family and all who love him \u2014 and there are so many of us. Vale my darling friend.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fellow actor Rachel Griffiths said she was shocked by Neill\u2019s death.<\/p>\n
\u201cLoved by so many \u2014 I\u2019ll be cracking Two Paddocks tonight,\u201d she wrote on social media.<\/p>\n
Two Paddocks is a wine producer based in New Zealand that was owned and operated by Neill.<\/p>\n
Foxtel Group chief executive Patrick Delany said the company was deeply saddened by the loss.<\/p>\n
\u201cA true pioneer of Australian screen whose extraordinary contribution to cinema and television has left an indelible mark on our industry,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u201cSam was a long-time friend of the Foxtel Group, first as a Foxtel ambassador and, more recently, leading the cast across three seasons of the Binge original series The Twelve. <\/p>\n
\u201cHis immense talent, generosity and contribution to our screens will be deeply missed by all those who had the privilege of working with him.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u201cOur thoughts are with Sam\u2019s family, friends and colleagues, including the many cast and crew who worked alongside him over the years, at this very difficult time.\u201d<\/p>\n
Screen Producers Australia issued a statement, describing Neill as one of the screen industry\u2019s most respected and enduring talents.<\/p>\n
\u201cHis extraordinary talent and professionalism enriched countless productions and inspired generations of filmmakers and performers,\u201d chief executive Matthew Deaner said.<\/p>\n
\u201cAustralian producers were privileged to work alongside Sam on so many landmark productions. <\/p>\n
\u201cHis contribution to Australian storytelling and to our screen culture is immeasurable, and his legacy will continue to inspire audiences and the industry for generations to come.\u201d<\/p>\n
Neill is survived by four children and eight grandchildren.<\/p>\n